Chester-le-Street Environmental Improvements

At Northumbrian Water, we’re committed to protecting and improving the water environment. As part of the national Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), we carry out investigations, monitoring, and improvement projects to keep our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters clean and healthy.

We have identified priority locations, including some in Chester-le-Street, where we can make a big impact to reduce the use of storm overflows. These sites have been selected in line with guidelines designed to reduce sewage spills, especially in bathing waters and rivers that people love to visit.

Our goal is simple: fewer sewage spills, cleaner water, and a healthier environment. By acting, we’re helping to protect wildlife, reduce pollution, and make sure our rivers and bathing waters remain safe and enjoyable for everyone

Start Date: Currently in the concept stage. Surveys are underway and should finish by August 2026. Additional surveys may be needed in the next project phase.

Estimated End Date: March 2030

Partners: Jacobs & Farrans

Investing in Drainage

A project has recently been launched which will see Northumbrian Water planning to invest up to £61m in Chester-le-Street over the next five years to improve water quality in the River Wear by reducing storm overflows.

To help us plan these improvement works, we are currently carrying out survey work within the town to better understand the current performance of our sewerage network. 

While we are not yet able to share details on improvement proposals, it is likely that the solution will involve a combination of making more efficient use of the existing sewer network, surface water separation along with more conventional drainage improvements such as storage tanks and upsized pipework and chambers.

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